HAI Chairperson Michael O’Kane was invited to deliver a Humanist Reflection at the State ceremony in Arbour Hill, representing the secular community of Ireland at the commemoration of those who died during the 1916 Rising.

The ceremony was attended by the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Simon Harris, and Defence Minister Helen McEntee, alongside leaders from a range of faith and belief traditions, including Rev Fr Paschal Hanrahan (Head Chaplain to the Forces), Archbishop Michael Jackson (Church of Ireland), Rabbi Yoni Wieder (Chief Rabbi), Dr Hemant Kumar (Vedic Hindu Cultural Centre of Ireland), and Mr Shaheem Ahmed (representing the Islamic community in Ireland). Senior officers from the Army, Air Corps, and Naval Service were also in attendance,

Following the Humanist Reflection, Uachtarán Catherine Connolly laid a wreath at the graves of the executed leaders of 1916, flanked by a guard of honour, in remembrance of all who lost their lives and a minute’s silence was observed, and the military band played the national anthem

The Arbour Hill commemoration is the longest-running State ceremony marking the Rising. This year marks its 102nd year, with the first ceremony held in 1923, shortly after the end of the Civil War.

More than 400 people attended, including members of the Oireachtas, the Council of State, the Judiciary, representatives of diverse religious traditions, and relatives of those who fought and died in 1916.